Pipestone National Monument is home of the historic pipestone quarries and tallgrass prairies. For over 3,000 years, Indigenous people have quarried the red stone at this site to make pipes used in prayer and ceremony - a tradition that continues to this day and makes this site sacred to many people. Many believe the pipe's smoke carries one's prayer to the Great Spirit.
Pipestone National Monument was established in August 1937 and is located in southwestern Minnesota. The monument encompasses 301 acres or 1.2 square kilometers. Pipestone NM protects the right of any Native American enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe to quarry the soft red stone also called pipestone.
Along the entrance road to the park are large granite boulders known as the Three Maidens. These rocks were carrier here from further north by a glacier and left behind when the ice melted. They are called erratics. These boulders are considered sacred by Native Indians.
The visitor center is always a great place to start a tour, Pipestone National Monument is no different. The amazing 22 minute film explained the cultural significance of this land.
The Circle Trail is a 3/4-mile long paved path. It cuts through a Tallgrass Prairie, follows a creek, meanders past a waterfall, and finally traverses ancient quarries still used by Native Americans today. The first stop is the exhibit quarry where the layers of Sioux Quartzite and a layer of exposed pipestone are visible.
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| Tailings from quarries past |
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| A crevasse filled with rock |
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| Winnewissa Falls |
In downtown Pipestone the worlds largest pipestone pipe is on display at the historical center.
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